Gabon vs Kenya Prediction: The Panthers must be at their best to defeat the visitors

Gabon will kick off their World Cup Qualifier with Kenya at the Stade de Franceville Stadium on Thursday. Gabon head here without a win in four games, while the visitors are yet to play a competitive match since 2021.

FIFA Ranking: 86th

Last five games: WLLLD

The Panthers will not be heading to the AFCON Tournament after losing their final qualifying game against Mauritania. Gabon wrapped up the group in the third spot, three points below Mauritania and six points behind DR Congo at the top. Patrice Neveu's men head here with a (1-1) stalemate against Guinea on the road, as Aaron Salem's goal canceled the hosts' lead to secure a point for his side.

The Panthers will make do without Aubameyang, who didn’t make the final list.

FIFA WORLD Ranking: 110th

Last five games: LWWLD

Harambee Stars' last competitive game was in this tournament, where they picked up six points from a possible eighteen. Since returning from the FIFA ban, Harambee Stars have lost three, drawn once, and won twice. Kenya head here with a decent performance against Russia as they settled for a (2-2) share of the spoils.

Kenya have not really tested themselves against a top side in a long time, but they have played as a unit in their friendly games.

Gabon have been poor in their last four games, scoring twice and conceding six goals. The Panthers head here without Aubameyang for this encounter for reasons known to the coach. On the other hand, Kenya will play their first competitive game since their ban in 2021, but they have been fantastic in recent friendly matches. Gabon failed to impress when it matters, and losing three games in their attempt to qualify for the AFCON Tournament is a total disgrace. There’s no guarantee they’ll improve here, and we are sure Kenya will be out to prove everyone wrong; both teams might settle for a halftime draw for 1.90.

Regardless, home advantage counts here, and we anticipate a home win in either half for 1.82.

We expect this game to witness less than two goals for 1.75.

Good luck!